Blog

Posted in Lifestyle

Plot Twist: I’m Pregnant

Advertisements

Well… this wasn’t exactly how I imagined making this announcement.

But surprise — I’m pregnant.

And not in the cute “we found out at 5 weeks and cried over tiny blueberry-sized baby apps” kind of way. No. Apparently my child believes in dramatic entrances only.

I found out on April 4th. Doctors confirmed it on April 14th. Then one week later I went in for my first ultrasound expecting maybe a tiny gummy bear situation…

…and they told me I was already 17 weeks pregnant.

SEVENTEEN.

Excuse me??? You mean to tell me I speedran the first trimester without even knowing it existed? I didn’t get the slow emotional build-up. I didn’t get the “OMG I’m pregnant” moment. I got launched directly into second trimester chaos like a contestant on a medical game show.

And now I’m currently 19 weeks pregnant, sitting here wondering how I somehow skipped the tutorial level of pregnancy entirely.

To make things even more exciting, I also immediately found out I’m high risk.

Which means doctors constantly tell me:
“Don’t stress.”

I would LOVE to know how I’m supposed to do that because currently my brain rotates through:

  • Is the baby okay?
  • Am I gonna be a good parent?
  • Why does every appointment feel terrifying?
  • Why do I suddenly have 900 doctor visits?
  • Why does pregnancy feel like being drafted into a survival reality show?

I have to go to the doctor every single week now, which is honestly not how I pictured my first pregnancy going. Everyone online makes pregnancy look like glowy selfies and fruit comparisons.

Meanwhile I’m over here like:
Today the baby is the size of a mango and I am the size of a nervous breakdown.

And because the universe apparently thought this storyline needed more drama…

I also have to move.

Right now.

While pregnant.

Because this is the downside of renting from a private owner instead of a leasing company, apparently. So now, on top of trying to survive a high-risk pregnancy, I also get to experience the joy of figuring out housing while exhausted 24/7.

Love that for me.

Honestly, I’m just tired. Physically tired. Emotionally tired. Mentally tired. The kind of tired where even deciding what to eat feels like a group project.

And I don’t really know what’s going to happen next.

But I do know this:
There’s a tiny little human in here already turning my entire life upside down, and despite all the fear and stress and chaos… I already love them more than anything.

So yeah.

Hi.

Baby Bunny is on the way!

Posted in Lifestyle

I Predicted the Met Gala… and It Actually Delivered (Mostly)

Advertisements

Going into the Met Gala 2026, I had a very specific vision. With the theme “Costume Art,” I wasn’t just hoping for pretty dresses—I wanted full transformation. Sculptures. Storytelling. A red carpet that felt like a living, breathing museum.

And honestly? I kind of got exactly that.

Some of the standout looks fully matched what I had imagined. Heidi Klum showing up as a literal statue? That’s exactly the “breathing sculpture” energy I was craving. Janelle Monáe leaning into an almost AI-meets-nature concept—like a living tree or moss-covered figure—blurred the line between body and art in the best way. And Lisa incorporating extra arms pulled directly from performance and traditional art references made the human body feel like a canvas.

There were also moments where fashion literally became art materials. Sabrina Carpenter wearing a gown made from actual film felt like something straight out of a gallery installation. And across the carpet, there were sculptural silhouettes, metallic body pieces, and even skeletal-inspired designs—like Beyoncé’s dramatic look—pushing the idea of the body as structure and art form. (Business Insider)

But here’s where reality didn’t fully match my expectations.

I thought we’d see more direct references to art history—specific paintings, sculptures, or time periods clearly translated into fashion. And while some guests did pull from those ideas, a lot of the carpet leaned into bold color, abstraction, and visual impact instead. Bright, painterly hues and dramatic shapes dominated, sometimes feeling more like a contemporary art exhibit than a curated historical one. (Vogue)

Even the carpet itself leaned into the concept—literally designed like a painted, moss-covered garden path to make guests look like they were stepping into a work of art. (Vogue)

And maybe that’s not a bad thing.

Because what this year proved is that fashion can be art—even when it’s messy, abstract, or open to interpretation. It wasn’t the perfectly structured “history of the body through fashion” moment I imagined, but it was bold, theatrical, and fully committed to the idea that the red carpet itself is a gallery.

And honestly? That still feels like a win.

Posted in Soft Serve (Fashion)

The 2026 Met Gala: Fashion Is Art…

Advertisements

The Met Gala is back, and 2026 did not come to play. This year’s theme, “Costume Art,” paired with the dress code “Fashion Is Art,” feels like an open invitation for celebrities to go fully unhinged—in the best way possible. And honestly? Some of these looks are serving.

But before we get too deep into 2026, I have to say it: nothing—and I mean nothing—has topped last year when André 3000 showed up carrying a literal piano on his back, designed by Pink Sparrow. It was camp, it was art, it was a whole moment honoring the impact of Black musicians on American music. That’s the kind of Met Gala chaos I live for.

Now, onto this year.

Bad Bunny showing up as an old man? Obsessed. It’s weird, it’s unexpected, it’s storytelling. Meanwhile, Sarah Paulson pulled up in what feels like a spiritual successor to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s iconic “Tax the Rich” moment—but make it more subtle and arguably more haunting, with a mask crafted from a single dollar bill. Political fashion is alive and well.

Then there’s Doechii with the turban look—sexy, intentional, and impossible to ignore. SZA (as always) is doing what she does best: existing beautifully. She absolutely delivered in a custom-made yellow gown inspired by butterflies, which she co-created with designer Emily Adams Bode Aujla. The dress was crafted using vintage, reworked materials sourced from eBay. She topped it all off with a headpiece made of real shells and flowers—ethereal, intricate, and honestly one of the most thoughtfully constructed looks of the night.

Sabrina Carpenter? Her art deco gown by Jonathan Anderson for Dior being made from literal film—a reel from the classic Sabrina starring Audrey Hepburn—is the kind of fashion history crossover that makes my brain happy.

Emma Chamberlain in Mugler is just… gorgeous. The colors? Stunning. No notes. First time I’ve ever paid attention to Emma Chamberlain. And LISA with a Robert Wun creation featuring 3D arms holding the veil! The arms were molded from LISA’s own body and posed to form traditional Thai dance positions, per Vogue—are you kidding me? That’s art.

I also love seeing Law Roach step out as himself. No styling, just presence—and the outfit was flattering in a way that felt intentional and personal. Meanwhile, Charlotte Tilbury is giving full Moulin Rouge fantasy, and I’m not mad about it.

Alysa Liu looks like an upside-down bouquet and it’s honestly adorable. Then of course, Heidi Klum shows up as a literal statue—completely unhinged, completely on brand. Same goes for Janelle Monáe, who looks like a living tree or moss sculpture. Over-the-top is their baseline, and I am living for it.

Jordan Roth might be one of my favorites—mannequin, velvet, drama, all of it. It’s theatrical in a way the Met Gala should be. And its another Robert Wun Outfit. Safe to say they are my new favorite designer.

And no surprise here: I love Naomi Osaka in Robert Wun. She never misses. I love her tennis outfits so seeing her at the Met again since 2021 was heavenly.

All of this, by the way, is being consumed while I am at work, aggressively pretending to be productive while mentally cataloging every outfit. Multitasking, but make it fashion.

Final verdict? The theme is hitting, the looks are mostly delivering, and the chaos is exactly what I wanted. Fashion is art—and tonight, it’s also entertainment.

And yes, I will be thinking about these outfits for the next week.

Posted in Lifestyle

Seven Puppies, and One Very Overwhelmed Dog Parent

Advertisements

I did not expect this week to turn into complete chaos, but here we are—my dog just had puppies, and I am barely holding it together. Seven puppies. Seven. Tiny, squeaky, constantly-moving little creatures that now depend on us for everything.

This was my first time ever witnessing a dog give birth, and honestly, it was way more intense than I imagined. People always talk about how “beautiful” it is, but no one really prepares you for how stressful, messy, and, at times, terrifying it can be. I was pacing, googling everything, second-guessing whether things were normal, and wondering if I was about to need an emergency vet visit at any second. It’s an experience I can confidently say I never want to repeat. To be completely real, I even threw up three times—the smell alone was overwhelming and something I was absolutely not prepared for.

To make things even more overwhelming, my dog isn’t even a year old yet. I keep worrying that she doesn’t fully know what she’s doing, which makes me feel like I have to watch everything even more closely. She’s trying, and I can tell she’s figuring it out as she goes, but it adds another layer of stress to an already intense situation.

Now that they’re here, the real work has started. The puppies are adorable—there’s no denying that—but they require constant attention. Making sure they’re all feeding, staying warm, and not getting squished has turned into a full-time job. Sleep? Basically nonexistent. Quiet time? Gone.

And now it’s after midnight, and exhaustion is really setting in. At this point, it almost feels like I’m just hoping everything turns out okay and that the puppies pull through the night. It’s a harsh thought, but it’s where my brain is after everything today.

My dog is doing her best, and I’m proud of her, but I feel completely overwhelmed. I didn’t realize how much responsibility came with this. Everyone loves the idea of puppies, but living it is something else entirely.

I’m hoping things get easier as the days go on, but right now, I’m just trying to survive the chaos… and maybe get a nap in somewhere.

Posted in Lifestyle

unwinding

Advertisements
Daily writing prompt
How do you unwind after a demanding day?

My version of “unwinding” after a hard day is honestly not that aesthetic—and I’ve made peace with that. I don’t light candles or journal my feelings into neat little paragraphs. I process out loud. Loudly. To my mom, my partner, or my best friend—whoever answers first is getting the full recap, no edits, no filter. It’s a little dramatic, a little chaotic, but it works.

There’s something about saying everything out loud that takes the weight off my chest. Like once it’s been heard, it doesn’t feel as heavy to carry alone anymore.

Then I grab a snack—something comforting, something easy—and let myself just exist for a minute. No pressure to be productive, no expectations to “fix” anything right away.

And then? I go to sleep.

Because sometimes the best reset isn’t solving the problem—it’s giving yourself permission to pause and try again tomorrow.

Posted in Monthly Muses

the people currently living rent-free in my brain

Advertisements

With the TIME 100 Most Influential People of 2026 just dropping, I couldn’t help but spiral into thinking about the people who’ve influenced me—not just globally, but personally, emotionally, spiritually, main-character-wise.

First of all, Alysa Liu. I’ve watched her career for a while now and her retirement. and by 20 she’s out here redefining success, choosing peace, and just casually being like, “yeah, I’m gonna do life my way.” That’s not just inspiring, that’s main character with boundaries energy. We love to see it.

Noah Kahan??? Emotionally devastating in the best way. Like why are you in my headphones making me confront my feelings??? His openness about mental health is so comforting though. It’s giving “you’re not alone but also let’s cry about it together.”

And then Noah Lyles—completely different vibe—pure confidence. Like the kind where you walk into a room and the room adjusts to YOU. He’s not shrinking, he’s expanding. I’m taking notes. But beyond the aura, he’s genuinely crucial to modern athletics right now. He’s not just fast, he’s defining what this era of sprinting looks like—bringing personality, visibility, and swagger back to the sport in a way that feels fresh but also necessary. And let’s not forget, just three years ago he won two gold medals at the World Championships in both the 100m and 200m. That’s not just impressive—that’s legacy-building. It’s giving dominance, discipline, and “I know exactly who I am.”

Historically??? Bobbi Gibb literally said “rules? never heard of them” and ran the Boston Marathon anyway when women weren’t even allowed. And here’s the part that gets me: if you Google “first woman to run the Boston Marathon,” you’ll usually see Kathrine Switzer—and yes, she was the first woman to officially run it in 1967, and that absolutely deserves recognition. But Bobbi Gibb? She hid in the bushes, jumped into the race, and finished it without a bib in 3:21:40. Like??? That’s not just inspiring, that’s rebellious queen behavior. And let’s really sit with this—both of these women were out there doing this before running shoes were even designed specifically for women (which didn’t really happen until the late ’70s). No support, no infrastructure, no permission—just grit. Paved the way without asking for it.

And Hildegard of Bingen??? Oh she was BOOKED and BUSY in the 1100s. Composing, writing, leading, having visions… like okay renaissance woman before it was even a thing. Obsessed.

And then there’s Janine Teagues from Abbott Elementary, my comfort character forever. Watching her slowly gain confidence while still being awkward and caring too much??? That’s REAL growth. Not a glow-up, a grow-up.

Honestly the common theme here is just… being unapologetically yourself, even if that self is still figuring things out. Bold, messy, evolving energy.

Posted in Make & Muse

Creating Just for Me

Advertisements

I want to start painting again. I do paint sometimes, but I’m not very good, and that usually makes me stop. I tend to think of painting and drawing as talent-based, even though I know they’re really a mix of talent and skill—and skill takes work.

I was recently thinking about Ed Sheeran on The Graham Norton Show, showing how rough he sounded when he was younger compared to now. What changed wasn’t just ability—it was passion and persistence. He cared enough to keep improving. I think that’s where I struggle. I’m good at starting things, but not so great at sticking with them. That’s not exactly new—I’ve been saying the same thing since I started this blog in 2019.

I don’t want to be a famous painter. I just want a hobby that’s mine, something I can get better at and enjoy. I’m great at baking and pretty good at writing, but even those don’t always feel like hobbies. Baking is more of a stress outlet, and writing can start to feel like work—especially when I think about the countless stories I’ve started and never finished.

As a small step toward that softer kind of life I’ve been wanting, I actually signed up for a painting event in Long Beach soon. It feels a little out of my comfort zone, but in a good way—like I’m letting myself try something without needing to be good at it right away. Maybe that’s the point this time: to show up, take it slow, and just enjoy creating something that’s only for me.

Posted in Lifestyle

Caught in the Scroll

Advertisements
Daily writing prompt
How do you use social media?

I think I use social media pretty similarly to a lot of people my age. Most of the time, I find myself scrolling and watching what everyone else is posting instead of actually creating anything myself. It’s easy to fall into that habit because there’s always something new to look at—whether it’s videos, photos, or updates from other people. Before I know it, I’ve spent way more time consuming content than I originally intended.

I do enjoy seeing what others are doing and keeping up with trends, but sometimes it makes me realize that I’m more of a viewer than a creator. I’ll have ideas for things I could post, but I don’t always follow through with them. Instead, I just keep scrolling. I think social media can be a great space for creativity and self-expression, but for me, it often turns into more passive entertainment than active participation.

Overall, I’d say I use social media mostly to relax and pass time, even though I know I could probably get more out of it if I put more effort into making my own content instead of just watching everyone else.

Posted in Bun Appétit

Fennel-y Back in the Kitchen

Advertisements

I love cooking. Not casually—deeply, stubbornly, with a kind of affection that usually involves a whisk in one hand and a grocery list that makes no practical sense. But lately? Cooking and I haven’t exactly been in sync. I think about it constantly, romanticize it even, but somehow don’t end up doing it as much as I want. It’s like craving a perfect croissant and never actually stepping into the bakery.

And then something shifted.

I watched a Julia Child documentary, and it all came rushing back.

That joy. That playfulness. That completely unselfconscious love of food.

She didn’t just cook—she celebrated. She made it feel alive, a little messy, a little imperfect, and entirely worth it. Watching her felt like opening a window I didn’t realize I’d shut somewhere along the way.

I grew up on her PBS shows. I remember being completely captivated—not just by what she made, but by how she made it feel. Like an adventure. Like something you got to do, not something you had to check off a list. When she passed away, I cried real, actual tears. It felt like losing a piece of something warm and joyful.

And then there’s Julie & Julia. I saw it in theaters and walked out equal parts inspired and starving. It’s still one of my favorite movies, and honestly, probably a big reason I ever wanted to start blogging in the first place. There’s something irresistible about the idea of cooking your way through recipes—one imperfect, beautiful attempt at a time.

Lately, I’ve been missing that version of myself. The one who got excited about trying something new just for the sake of it. The one who didn’t overthink every step. The one who just… cooked.

But I don’t think she’s gone. I think she’s just been a little buried under busy weeks and takeout menus.

Every year, I add “try 20 new recipes” to my New Year bingo card. It’s become a quiet little tradition. This year, I’m six recipes in. Six small wins. Six moments where I chose curiosity over convenience.

And right now, I’m especially fixated on this one recipe: https://motherwouldknow.com/alice-waters-shaved-fennel-salad-html/

Yes, it’s technically Alice Waters’, but I only know about it because she shared it with Julia Child—which somehow makes it feel like part of that same magical lineage. And for whatever reason, I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s simple, fresh, a little elegant without trying too hard. Exactly the kind of thing that reminds me why I fell in love with cooking in the first place.

Maybe that’s all I need. Not a perfect schedule or a dream kitchen or hours of free time. Just a little spark. A little curiosity. A willingness to try.

And maybe make a mess along the way.

I think she’d approve. And honestly? That feels like enough.

Posted in Lifestyle

Hello April

Advertisements

Okay so—hi, hello, welcome back to the chaotic sitcom that is my life. It’s April 19th. THE 19TH. And somehow this month has already packed the emotional equivalent of, like, six Novembers and a tax season.

Also, quick side note: this was *supposed* to be the month I wrote every single day. Like, “new month, new me, consistent, thriving, journaling queen” energy. And yet… here we are. Seventeen days in and I’m just now checking in like a student who forgot the assignment existed. So that’s going great. Love the follow-through. Truly inspiring stuff.

First plot twist: apparently my body has decided to start a side quest into ✨prediabetes✨. Love that for me. I’ve been trying—truly, gold star effort—eating healthier, making better choices, adding fruit like I’m starring in my own wellness rebrand… only to find out that maybe I’ve been a little *too* enthusiastic with the fruit bowl. Who knew trying to be healthy could backfire like that? Not me, a fool, standing in the kitchen with a banana like it betrayed me personally.

Meanwhile, work has me feeling like the human version of a “miscellaneous” drawer. You know, the one with batteries, a random key, and three pens that don’t work? Yeah. That’s me. I’m the filler person. Need someone to plug a gap? That’s me. Need someone to shift plans last minute? Also me. And it’s getting…old. Like, how am I supposed to plan my own life when my schedule is basically written in pencil by someone else?

And then, because the universe said “let’s really commit to the bit,” I’m officially giving up on school. Again. But this time it feels different—like, capital-D Done. Not dramatic, just…real. I didn’t pay the acceptance fee in time (turns out money is required for that, rude), and between everything else going on, it just wasn’t happening.

Which brings me to the final plot twist: my dog is pregnant. Yes. We are expecting. I am not emotionally prepared, financially thriving, or logistically organized—but we *are* expecting. So if anyone has ever dreamed of owning a German Shepherd puppy… hi, hello, this is your moment. Please come get one. Or five.

So yeah. It’s been a month. And we’re only halfway through. At this point I’m just holding on, eating my slightly controversial fruit, and waiting to see what the rest of April has planned—preferably something calm, but honestly I wouldn’t bet on it.